Calculating Falling Objects: GPE, KE and Speed

  • Thread starter Ravious
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Falling
In summary, the conversation revolves around a question regarding the gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and vertical speed of a tennis ball dropped from a height of 90cm with a mass of 57g. The person asking for help is advised to show effort in solving the problem and to look up key terms related to the question. They are also encouraged to share their attempts at solving the problem in order to receive guidance.
  • #1
Ravious
1
0
I have some questions which I don't understand.

Assume that all questions take place chose to surface of earth
gravity = 10n/kg

1) a 57g tennis ball is dropped from a height of 90cm

a) What is the gravitational potential energy of the tennis ball before it is dropped?
b) What is the kinetic energy of the ball as it lands?
c) What is the vertical speed of the ball as it lands on the ground?

Help of any kind would be appreciated
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
First, in order to receive help, you must show some effort at solving your problem.

Second, there are key terms in the OP which you can look up or should have some notes on, like 'potential energy', 'kinetic energy', and 'vertical speed' of falling objects.
 
  • #3
As SteamKing pointed out, you have to show us how you approached the problem that led you astray. We will not just give you the answer. We can point you in the correct direction, though. Is there anything that you tried to do? If so, show us your work and we can see where you may have gone wrong.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating potential energy (GPE) of a falling object?

The formula for calculating gravitational potential energy is GPE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and h is the height from which the object falls.

2. How do you calculate kinetic energy (KE) of a falling object?

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is the velocity of the object.

3. What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy of a falling object?

When an object falls, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. As the object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

4. How can you calculate the speed of a falling object?

The formula for calculating speed is v = √(2gh), where g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height from which the object falls.

5. Is air resistance a factor in calculating the speed of a falling object?

Yes, air resistance can affect the speed of a falling object. Objects with larger surface areas or less aerodynamic shapes will experience more air resistance, slowing down their fall and reducing their speed.

Similar threads

Oblique soccer shot calculation task
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
1K
Help with science project to launch a projectile
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
Linear systems: Tmax = Umax is not making sense
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
960
Catapult spring, Kinetic and Potential energy
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Conservation of energy problem: Ball rolling down inclined plane and then through a loop-the-loop
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
410
Calculating Launch Speed for a Catapult with Drag Force
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
635
Energy Loss of a ball falling off the lip of a ramp
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
A ball climbing a ramp while "rolling the wrong way"
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
32
Views
2K
Help Evaluating Mathematical Modelling of Physical Problems
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
47
Views
3K
Solving the Stacked Ball Drop Homework
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top